WARREN COUNTY, Ohio — Wildlife officials are looking into a possible bear sighting in Warren County.
Patrick Cade said he was driving down Route 741 around 11 p.m. Monday when he spotted a bear on the side of the road. He said he immediately turned his truck around to capture a video.
"You never think you would see it in Southwest Ohio," Cade said.
Cade said the two made eye contact as he drove past. He recorded the sighting because he did not think anyone would believe him.
"I think I kind of startled it a little bit," Cade said. "It seemed a little shy with the lights and my diesel motor running, so it turned the opposite direction and started to walk off and then jump back into the field where I believe it probably came from."
The Ohio Division of Wildlife said since 1993 there has only been three confirmed bear sightings in Warren County — none in recent years. They also said sightings normally happen from May to early July.
Cade called the encounter a blessing.
"Definitely an honor to witness such an magnificent creature," Cade said.
Wildlife officials said it is possible a bear is passing through in search of a quieter area. If anyone does come across a bear, officials said to know they are just as scared as people and tend to avoid confrontation. Remove any food that may attract them, and cover any grills or trash cans.
"Take in the beauty of the bear himself," Cade said. "Leave him alone as one of God's creatures and we can just admire and be thankful that he's blessed us with his presence in our local area. I'm sure he'll be hibernating sometime soon and maybe find another home where he might be."
